New starter - Where to start?

[MaybeNew]

Hi,

I've never picked up a golf club in my life but want to make a start on what looks like a fun/challenging/healthy hobby.

Can someone please point me in the right direction? Should I be buying a set of clubs from the start? On the driving range? On the 9 hole course? With or without a trainer?

Got a couple of friends who play but not really to a level where they could help me with my game if that makes sense.

Also, I live in Aylesbury, Bucks so if anyone can suggest a local place it would be appreciated?

Thanks, appreciate you reading my random warblings...

 

[Marko77]

A trip to the range with your friends to hit some balls with their clubs and maybe try out some demo clubs, if the range have any, to get the feel of a swing / shot types followed by a game on the 9 holer to see what you think of the game would perhaps be a way to go to get into it.

No point in buying gear for yourself if it's not something your going to stick at / enjoy.

There's some who will preach lessons, lessons, lessons right from the start. Yes, that is one way to go. I'd say give it 6 months to a year playing / practicing yourself before considering any teaching.

Good luck with it.

 

[UnluckyXIII]

I would say the best place to start would be with a lesson or two, leave the clubs for now until you get to grips with how to hold/stand and swing the clubs first.

Once your ready and sure you are going to stick things out then your Pro should be able to give you advice in regards to what clubs might suit you after you have had a few lessons with him or a fitting.

 

[PhilTheFragger]

Hi Mate

I play at Aylesbury Park with My Brother Imurg who is also on here.

I would say that the best thing to do is book a few lessons with a club pro, he will let you borrow some clubs and will also be able to advise on purchases after he has seen you a couple of times.

There are several clubs near you, APGC or Aylesbury Golf Centre at Bierton (has a range)

Dont whatever you do just buy a set of clubs, you need guidence

If you fancy a game sometime, just shout

Fragger

 

[bobmac]

Sorry Marko, have to disagree.
As a teacher it's much easier to teach someone from nothing rather than a years worth of trial and error and mistakes.
I suggest you go and see a local pro who will lend you a 7 iron and go and have a bash on the range.
If you can make contact with the ball, then have a lesson.
He will give you the basics and something to practice.
Good luck and welcome to the forum

 

[Marko77]

Aye, it's each to their own Bob, all depends on the person and whether they want to take that time or just want to get playing. Lessons to someone just starting out who then doesn't automatically play well may just put them off?

My perspective is that after playing a while their way they will have more understanding on what they are perhaps doing wrong and will have more understanding of what they are being told to do and enjoy the lesson/learning process.

 

[Basher]

I'm in the take lessons corner prior to playing theory also.

A pro can get the basics sorted out from the offset.

Most non players will pick up a club and hold it like a sledge hammer, take a wild hack at the ball, miss, get fed up and forget about the game.

A pro will show you correct grip, alignment, stance and posture and set you on your way before the bad habits appear.
Don't bother buying any clubs yet, just borrow the pro's 7 iron for your first few lessons. Maybe buy a cheapo 7 iron from JJB, Sports Direct for a few quid and practise grip, stance , alignment and posture at home. Try a few swings in the garden as well.
I wouldn't even entertain venturing onto a course as yet, I'd just get used to holding and swinging the club initially.

Set off correctly and you have a game for life, believe me!

 

[bozza]

My advice would be to just have fun and enjoy it.

 

[Qwerty]

I had lessons from the start and got down to single figures within 2 years, that was 10 years ago.
I would say lessons from the outset is the way to go, get the basics in place and you will progress much faster.
Also, the pro will teach you a general understanding of the game, when things start to go wrong you may have an insight as to why.
If you're thinking of taking it seriously you should definately have lessons,

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Another vote for lessons. If you can start with everything correct then you'll have a much easier time recognising when it doesn't feel quite right and go back to the basics and look at it again. Once you have faults, these tend to reappear and you can end up changing something that was fine instead of the thing you were trying to fix. Once you've mastered the rudiments get out and practice, especially over the winter and if you decide you like the game go out in the spring and get some clubs and enjoy

 

[richart]

Sorry Marko, have to disagree.
As a teacher it's much easier to teach someone from nothing rather than a years worth of trial and error and mistakes.
I suggest you go and see a local pro who will lend you a 7 iron and go and have a bash on the range.
If you can make contact with the ball, then have a lesson.
He will give you the basics and something to practice.
Good luck and welcome to the forum

Welcome. Listen to Bob, he knows his stuff.







So he tells us.

 

[bobmac]

Sorry Marko, have to disagree.
As a teacher it's much easier to teach someone from nothing rather than a years worth of trial and error and mistakes.
I suggest you go and see a local pro who will lend you a 7 iron and go and have a bash on the range.
If you can make contact with the ball, then have a lesson.
He will give you the basics and something to practice.
Good luck and welcome to the forum

Welcome. Listen to Bob, he knows his stuff.

So he tells us.

You cheeky trollop
You're asking for a slapped leg.
Go and get some little jobs done

 

[richart]

Sorry Marko, have to disagree.
As a teacher it's much easier to teach someone from nothing rather than a years worth of trial and error and mistakes.
I suggest you go and see a local pro who will lend you a 7 iron and go and have a bash on the range.
If you can make contact with the ball, then have a lesson.
He will give you the basics and something to practice.
Good luck and welcome to the forum

Welcome. Listen to Bob, he knows his stuff.

So he tells us.

You cheeky trollop
You're asking for a slapped leg.
Go and get some little jobs done

That was low even for you Bob

 

[MaybeNew]

Have contacted (via the web) a local course (Aylesbury Vale) today - they have an 18 and a 9 and offer 5 lessons for £60 and a preview lesson for free.

Should be enough to get my hands around a club and start learning.

The plan is to do that and practice over the winter before being able to actually play in the spring with friends and colleagues.

I get around the country quiet a lot with work so could potentially practice at a local club but do the odd game further afield in an afternoon whilst winding down from work.

 

[Basher]

Have contacted (via the web) a local course (Aylesbury Vale) today - they have an 18 and a 9 and offer 5 lessons for £60 and a preview lesson for free.

Should be enough to get my hands around a club and start learning.

The plan is to do that and practice over the winter before being able to actually play in the spring with friends and colleagues.

Sounds like a plan!

I think you are doing the right thing. Come the spring, you should (with practise) be ready to take on the course and get a few rounds in with friends.

 

[Deleted member 1740]

A lesson or 2 will help you immensely.

 

[viscount17]

I'm in the get lessons and enough clubs to play around the par 3 course camp, they don't have to be mutually exclusive. these can be cheap throw-aways as you'll be wanting to upgrade soon enough, but I think you'll learn a lot, and be putting lessons into practice, and having some fun.

 

[RGDave]

1. Borrow some clubs. An iron or two should do it.
2. Book a lesson with a proper pro (club/range) and see if he can get you hitting balls.
3. Go and practice at the range a few times.
4. Find a nice 9 hole course where there are facilities to putt and maybe chip a bit. Play a game!
5. Get annoyed/addicted/frustrated/obsessed very quickly.

The last two are best done alongside someone else.

If you are a perfectionist, maybe don't bother. It's truly painful....

Or, you could do it my way
1. Find some sticks.
2. Book a 9 hole game and go round in over 10 shots a hole
3. Have a lesson or two, practice lots....
4. Hit the 18 holer and manage 127 shots.

5. Regret doing it this way, go back to basics, have a lesson every two months, practice 3 or 4 times a week, join a club, get a h'cap, play of 24, get depressed, have more lessons, practice even harder. End up on a h'cap of 8 and then give up.

 

[grumpyjock]

Sorry Marko, have to disagree.
As a teacher it's much easier to teach someone from nothing rather than a years worth of trial and error and mistakes.
I suggest you go and see a local pro who will lend you a 7 iron and go and have a bash on the range.
If you can make contact with the ball, then have a lesson.
He will give you the basics and something to practice.
Good luck and welcome to the forum

Welcome. Listen to Bob, he knows his stuff.

So he tells us.

You cheeky trollop
You're asking for a slapped leg.
Go and get some little jobs done

That was low even for you Bob

He might even jump up and slap your knee